It's no surprise, I love color. I always try to present a variety of color combinations on this blog because, just like with my clients, I can't let my personal preferences sway what I choose for others. However, when it comes to what I wear, I don't wear as much color as you might think I do. I usually prefer small pops of color and I love making outfits look creative with sophisticated color combinations that make classic ensembles look more interesting. In today's post, I am going to show how the power of color can turn basic work looks into more elegant ones. Check out the below looks for inspiration.
Stylish, Subtle and Sophisticated Color Combinations for Work
Outfit #1 This tonal blue look of a sleeveless blouse from Reiss, navy skirt from Theory and bouclé cardigan from MaxMara is subtly accented with a pair of burgundy pumps from Ivanka Trump and rose gold studs from Givenchy. The outfit is beautiful without the colorful accents, but the additional color ads something a little more unexpected while still harmonizing.
Outfit #2 This teal dress from Boden gets accented with this elegant necklace from Lauren Ralph Lauren and I used these yellow Nine West d'Orsay pumps to add a soft punch of color. If you're looking to get more with less, you could easily take the rose gold studs and burgundy pumps from the first look and used them with this dress. In addition, these yellow pumps would make a beautiful finish with the outfit in look #1.
Outfit #3 In this last look, I added styled this brick colored sleeveless blouse with a pink blazer from Zara which not only creates a stunning color combination but looks even more elegant with these olive skinny pants from Theory. I love olive with just about any color. To finish the outfit, I added a splash of soft blue with this quartz pendant necklace from Nordstrom and these beige flats from Vince Camuto. The top and jacket in this outfit would also look great with the navy pencil skirt in the first outfit and if you want to take away the blue necklace in this look, you could use the rose gold studs instead.
Scared of playing with color in your wardrobe?
If color just isn't your thing, try practicing a bit before you head out in a color combination you don't feel secure about. One trick is to pick up some paint chips at your local hardware store and mix and match combinations. You can also look to nature, art and interior design for tips. Check out this post I wrote on how to combine color using nature as inspiration. If you're still looking for easy color combining tools, take a look at some of your favorite prints in pieces like your scarves and tops and create sophisticated color combinations using the colors fund in those combinations.
If you feel that your wardrobe has become lifeless and dull broaden the color palette in your work wardrobe to mix different color combinations and use subtle accents to finish your looks.